Shelfology Book Pairing

The Most Electrifying Debut Of 2021

by Megha Majumdar

A girl walks through the slums of Kolkata holding an armful of books. She returns home smelling of smoke, and checks her most prized possession: a brand-new smartphone, purchased in instalments. On Facebook, there is only one conversation. #KolabaganTrainAttack On the small, glowing screen, she types a dangerous thing... 'If the police didn't help ordinary people like you and me, if the police watched them die, doesn't that mean that the government is also a terrorist?' Set in contemporary India, A Burning is the story of three unforgettable characters, all dreaming of a better future, whose lives are changed for ever when they become caught up in the devastating aftermath of a terrorist attack. Jivan - a poor, young, Muslim girl, who dreams of going to college - faces a possible death sentence after being accused of collaborating with the terrorists. Lovely - an exuberant hijra who longs to be a Bollywood star - holds the alibi that can set Jivan free, but telling the truth will cost her everything she holds dear. PT Sir - an opportunistic gym teacher who once taught Jivan - becomes involved with Hindu nationalist politics and his own ascent is soon inextricably linked to Jivan's fall. Taut, propulsive and electrifying, from its opening lines to its astonishing finale, A Burning confronts issues of class, fate, prejudice and corruption with a Dickensian sense of injustice, and asks us to consider what it means to nurture big ambitions in a country hurtling towards political extremism. A Burning is a novel for our times and for all time.

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a poignant exploration of the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties, encapsulating the era's moral decadence and social stratification through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby. With its lyrical prose and nuanced character portrayals, Fitzgerald employs a modernist style that deftly combines rich symbolism with intricate narrative techniques, such as unreliable narration and a fragmented timeline. Set against the backdrop of opulent Long Island and the glaring reality of the 1920s, the novel invites readers to reflect on themes of wealth, love, and the disillusionment that often accompanies ambition. Fitzgerald, born in 1896 in Minnesota, was intimately acquainted with the oscillating fortunes of American society and the complexities of desire and aspiration. His own experiences with wealth, unrequited love, and the pursuit of success profoundly influenced his writing. "The Great Gatsby", published in 1925, embodies Fitzgerald's own struggles with identity and societal expectations, marking it as a semi-autobiographical reflection of his own tumultuous life. This masterful work is highly recommended for readers seeking both a deep literary engagement and a critical examination of American culture in the early 20th century. Fitzgerald's incisive commentary on human nature, combined with his exquisite prose, makes "The Great Gatsby" a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.